Proof read by Danaye

For the twenty-five people who are following this story - this chapter is for you.

Chapter 7

Hours of sitting cross-legged on the bed in her newly appointed room hadn't calmed Daine down enough to get the rest she needed.

There were no sounds around her or any particular smell. She was used to the small movement of the horses outside her room, the random calling for the herd or the sound of a hoof scraping the stones underneath the straw. Here in this room, there were none of those noises.

The only sounds that reached her ears this late at night were those of small animals, such as mice, occasionally rats or even cats.

Daine turned her head. A single light illuminated her surroundings and, even though the chamber she had been given was sparsely furnished, it was still too lavish for her taste. The bed she sat on had a sky-colored canopy over head and the four posters that made up the bulk of the bed weren't fooling anyone. This room was for a noble and she was no such thing.

She sighed loudly, releasing the air from her lungs. She had, after being stowed inside her new room, gone to the door a few times, only to find that the two ladies-in-waiting had been positioned outside in the corridor to guard the door.

When she had poked her head out, the ladies-in-waiting had scrambled to their feet and asked her if she was alright, if she wanted something, if she was cold or if she was this or that. Finally, Daine had slammed the door shut and given up hope.

Now, large wooden chests were spread around the floor. Even though she was curious to see what they contained, she still sat on the bed – frozen like a mouse.

The light from the candles flickered and faithfully gave light to her vision as her stormy blue-gray eyes settled on the dress for what seemed to be the hundredth time. Her fingers itched to touch the fabric, but she couldn't get herself to move.

This item had been the first thing her eyes had fallen upon when the two ladies-in-waiting had guided her to her new accommodations, and she had immediately disliked it for its design. If she had indeed been a noble, she was sure that she would have been pleased by it. However, she was a commoner and a bastard, and the amount of fabric concerned her.

Just by looking at it she felt like she was being suffocated slowly. The white, slightly glowing fabric was going to cover every centimeter of her body, not allowing any skin to be seen. The arms of the dress were tight and narrow, and they would be practically glued to her skin. The only thing she liked about the dress, or could at least accept, was the way the skirt fell from the bodice and down to the floor. Beneath the dress stood small, delicate slippers – ready to cover her feet. Daine wrinkled her nose. She would rather go bare-foot than have her feet shoved into those.

Birdsong reached her ears and, as she turned her head, she concluded that there were still several hours until anyone's breathing would change its pattern as they woke from their sleep. If she wanted to run, now would be a good time. She could tell the two ladies-in-waiting that a horse had called for her or lie that something was askew in the stables, but as her mind wandered over the many possibilities, her body held itself in place on the bed.

She used the last hour to consider what she knew of her future husband. The fact that he had saved her from being examined, which would have been a very problematic situation, still lingered inside her.

The king had wished for confirmation that she was a virgin before having her wed this strange man from Tortall. She couldn't help but shiver at the thought that a custom in Galla demanded other girls to undertake such an examination. Daine had been lucky – she knew that. She also knew that she wouldn't have been able to produce proof of her virginity.

Her thoughts were cut short as a single mouse scurried over the stone floor and disappeared beneath the bed. Somewhere inside her was a small glimmer of awareness that the animals of the castle were beginning to come around. She wasn't sure if she was grateful or worried over the fact that she found her future husband attractive. She also wondered if she should be content that her thoughts from the night before had fulfilled themselves somehow.

Daine shuddered as she remembered the strong arm sneaking around her waist and the way the warmth radiated from him to settle onto her back. Time passed on and her thoughts began to travel down a river where she could no longer control them.

She had been given a rare opportunity to start a new life. A life away from this place where she was considered to be nobody. A life with someone like him – Daine flinched when a sound broke the silence of the chamber. She went to move towards the door, but the stiffness from sitting in the same position for long hours almost made her pull a muscle.

Trying to stand with legs that were still asleep, she didn't manage to reach the door in time before it opened. She was caught sitting in an awkward position with gritted teeth.

"Mistress Sarrasri?" a mature female voice called before poking her head inside the small opening of the door. Upon seeing Daine sitting, the woman entered the chamber. "Good, you're up. I was afraid that you had overslept," the women held a large bundle of towels and continued with her rambling, "there isn't much time for us to prepare."

The woman stopped in front the bed, balancing the weight of the fabric on her hips. "My lady, one doesn't become ready by sitting on the bed. We have a lot to do."

Daine growled low, but concealed the sound. The woman had called her a lady! She was about to lift the blanket up and glide away from it as the room suddenly filled with servants carrying in items. Two males came in lifting up a large copper tub and placed it in the middle of the large room. After the men, servant-girls came in carrying pitchers filled with hot water.

"Just fill the tub," the woman instructed one of the younger girls. She gave a firm, scolding glance when one spilled a bit of the hot water over the edge of the tub.

She could clearly hear the low apology that the girl muttered before she hurried out of the chamber.

Daine waited, still sitting in the bed, as the line of servants continued back and forth. She jumped as the door suddenly closed behind the last one, but the other woman remained.

The door clicked as the older lady-in-waiting locked the door, "We don't need anyone disturbing us, now do we?" She turned back from the door and looked at Daine with a serious expression in her bright blue eyes. Her once golden hair had grayed a little bit from age.

The woman walked forth, pulling on the blanket that Daine held and it slipped from her hands. "My name is Astrid, but of course you know that by now," Astrid said and turned to where the sun was fighting to gain access to the chamber. She pulled back the curtains and the sun breathed in relief as its rays were allowed to enter the room.

Astrid turned back to look at her with a curious expression when Daine didn't move. "Now girl, we have a task in front of us," she walked over to where Daine was sitting and touched the girl's hair, lifting up a tousled curl. "This has to be washed and," she lifted Daine's cheek and looked the girl over, "well, everything on you should be washed, with lavender I think. You seem to still smell of horses."

Daine's hands were grabbed and Astrid pulled her to her feet. About to open her mouth, she was hushed.

"No. No time for talking. Get those ragged clothes off yourself," Astrid pointed to the plain oversized shirt that Daine wore. The woman clicked her tongue in disapproval as she looked down over Daine's naked thighs and bare feet.

Daine looked down as well. She couldn't see the wrongness of this. It was a habit of hers to wear such clothes to sleep.

"No wonder His Majesty gave the order to have your entire wardrobe burned."

At this, Daine's head snapped up. "He did what!" she almost shouted, but was stopped firmly by a wrinkled finger being laid over her lips.

"Hush," Astrid commanded, and Daine swallowed her words. "A Lady doesn't speak in a high tone, nor does she shout or give away any feelings," Astrid pulled away and pushed Daine over to the large tub.

She turned her head and looked into bright blue eyes sitting in a pale skinned face that was very skinny. She felt a cold spread slowly in her bones, but the feeling was gone the next second.

"Well, girl, strip off those clothes of yours. We have a lot to do before the ceremony," Astrid told her strictly and walked away from her.

Standing on shaking and sleepy legs, Daine hesitated. She wasn't accustomed to having another person present while undressing.

Astrid – being near her fifties – looked impatient and rocked from one foot to the other as she crossed her arms in front of herself. "Come on then," she rushed and came forward placing one of her hands down into the tub. Nodding, she continued to Daine, who had just stood up, "Hurry up, lass – or your bath is going to be cold."

Daine's fingers moved of their own accord and, as she lifted the night shirt up over her head, she could now clearly feel how exhausted she was.

It had been a bad idea to not sleep. After stripping off her undergarments, she walked shyly over to where steam was rising up into the air. Astrid held out a hand to steady her balance and Daine, grateful for the aid, stepped up into the tub and carefully lowered herself down, allowing the water to lick every inch of her body.

She sighed and closed her eyes for a few moments as Astrid moved around the room, looking for a brush.

Daine jumped, startled, when a surprised exclamation rushed through the air. She turned her head to where Astrid came trudging forth, obviously angry.

"Those inept girls. Give them an order and they do the exact opposite," Astrid scolded while shaking her head. She pulled a low stool towards the tub, holding a brush in the other hand, "I told them to put this on the table and where do I find it?"

Daine opened her mouth to offer the woman a possibility, but Astrid continued without hesitation while lifting Daine's heavy hair over the edge of the tub. Daine closed her mouth to prevent herself from swearing. "Putting it among the breast-bands isn't putting it in the right place," Astrid said as she began to pull the brush through Daine's hair, dragging it when it reached a particularly snarl.

She flinched in the water, biting the inside of her cheek as the woman pulled harder at the brush. Behind her, Astrid sighed loudly in clear frustration, "Maybe we should just let you soak and then we'll see what can be done with this hair of yours."

The brush was detangled from Daine's hair and Astrid pulled back, setting to the task of picking out clothes, all the while humming to herself.

Daine's eyes closed. The heat eased the cramps in her body and little by little it became more difficult to keep her eyes open.

She had been standing with her back turned towards the older woman, thankfully Astrid had allowed her a short nap while lying in the tub. Now, the woman had started to button the last buttons of her wedding dress on the back while she sat down. Her hair had been pinned up, but as it was so heavy and uncontrolled, the woman behind her had completely given up, allowing the long hair to hang loosely down her back.

Astrid guided her over to the large mirror that stood on the table and she noticed several jars on the table as well. Frowning and curious to learn what they contained, Daine was about to lean over and lift one of the lids when a soft knock sounded from the door.

She froze her movements as Astrid called out that she was on her way. The door was being opened slowly. Daine turned around to see who it was and deep dark eyes looked directly into hers. She suddenly stood, ignoring the restrained noise of protest that the fabric of the gown gave.

"Master Salmalin, "Astrid greeted him politely. She closed the door a bit while moving to block the view, giving Daine time to reach the bed where she knew she couldn't be seen. "Your visit could be mistaken as being eager, but I've a feeling that this is not the case. So how can I help you?" Astrid's voice was nice and welcoming, but Daine could hear that the woman didn't approve of this breach of protocol.

"My apologies," he replied while Daine edged to the side of the bed. Grabbing one of the posters, she rose and leaned forward. She wanted to see him, just a little peak wouldn't hurt, so she stood on her toes and lifted herself up so she could see above Astrid's head. Daine paused as she saw something held in his hands.

"I didn't trust anyone else to deliver this," Numair said and handed over the item to Astrid. Daine raised herself firmly up on her tip toes, looking down on what seemed to be a wooden box. She frowned deeply. 'What could possible be so important?', she thought as she lowered herself slowly down.

Dark smiling eyes caught hers as she moved. He had discovered her. She blushed a deep scarlet while Astrid replied, not noticing that the man in front of her was looking at a spot just above her head. Meanwhile, Astrid seemed to be eying the box.

"I'll make sure that she gets it, Master Salmalin. Now if you may excuse us," Astrid made a gesture to move and Daine used the opportunity to give him a little smile and a wave with her one hand. She then ducked her head in embarrassment and sat down heavily on the bed while scolding herself. Really, waving to him? She cursed angrily in her mind and buried her face in her hands, giving in to the embarrassed and tingly feeling inside her body.

Astrid continued, not seeing the resigned girl behind her. Daine sat, rubbing her hands up and down her face, smearing any makeup that had been carefully planted on her cheeks and lips.

"The Lady will be waiting at the alter and hopefully you will too," Astrid said sternly.

The door was closed before Daine could hear the man's reply. She looked up as Astrid turned around and gasped with surprise, nearly dropping the box.

"Good gracious child! What did you do to your face?" Astrid shrieked horrified and rushing towards her.

Daine looked down at the palms of her hands. She had always been that kind of girl who, whenever she had dirty hands, used to brush them off on her breeches. With that in mind, she was about to do the same, but onto the white fabric of her dress.

"No!" Two hands captured hers and she soon found Astrid anxiously cleaning her hands along with her face. Astrid gave her a scolding glance.

"It's going to take a miracle for you to become a proper lady. Now," she pulled Daine into a standing position and dragged her over to the table once more, "first we must tend to your face, then we need to go over some simple rules of behavior. We don't want him to run screaming from the castle before the deal is signed."

Daine's head snapped up. "What deal?" she demanded to know.

"Oh, that's nothing you should be concerned with. His Majesty is acting on the behalf of the kingdom," Astrid halted as if discovering that her tongue had mistakenly slipped out something important. She suddenly turned from Daine, fetching the box. "I'm curious to know what's inside, aren't you?" Astrid asked.

Daine nodded, blushing a little. The eyes of a certain dark eyed man were still imprinted...She jumped when someone, apparently Astrid, hissed low.

"Curse it," the old woman snapped. Daine turned, only to see that Astrid was rubbing a finger against a burn on her skin. She pushed the box into Daine's hands, "He must have spelled it so no one other then you could open it."

The box was a crafted workpiece, carved out of oak and decorated with ancient signs printed deep within the veins of the wood. "It's beautiful," Daine whispered slowly, allowing a finger to slide caressingly over the wood. Her heart was quickening, bringing up a light blush to her cheeks.

"Come on, lass, let's see what's inside..."

A lock suddenly clicked and the lid of the box sprung open. Daine almost dropped the box as the contained items became visible.

The old woman breathed in admiration. Astrid leaned forth, taking out a small piece of paper. "He's written something to you," she stopped as Daine snatched it out of her hands.

She quickly turned away and looked down at what seemed to be a letter addressed to her. Astrid leaned forward over Daine's shoulders, watching as Daine carefully unfolded the letter. Daine's breath caught in her throat as winding, perfect letters draped across the white, making the blackness of the ink stand out in dark contrast.

Daine allowed her eyes to glide slowly over the words.

'My dear wife,

Sometimes I'm not a man of few words,

but at times like this the words that I'm looking for don't present themselves willingly.

So, it is my delight to give you a gift –

a token promising that in me, you are going to find a trustworthy husband.

I give you this necklace for you to wear on our day of hand-fasting -

the actual wedding is going to take place in Tortall.

As you can see, the necklace contains two chains –

the one with pearls can be removed – the other (the pendant), however, I hope you will wear for the beginning of our marriage.

It's spelled and will give you protection against pregnancy.

Your future husband, Numair Salmalin'

"What does it say?" Astrid's voice came eagerly from a place over Daine's shoulder.

Daine didn't answer at first. She took up the shining object that had been folded into a deep blue cloth. In her hand lay a necklace consisting of two single chains. One held several small off-white pearls and the other a single drop of a glass-like gem.

"Is it a poem," Astrid continued, "or a maybe a song?"

Daine smiled slowly, realizing that the woman behind her wasn't schooled in the art of reading. "It's only a letter," she replied slowly.

"Oh," Astrid said, as if disappointed. "What does it say?"

"It says...," Daine read the first lines of the letter, but she stopped when she reached the line where he began to explain the meaning of the necklace.

"That's a beautiful gift," Astrid said and lifted the necklace away from Daine's hands, "You're lucky that His Majesty had found you a romantic man." Soft and calm hands settled the cold jewelry against the bare skin of Daine's neck. The clasps were closed and Daine leaned forth, touching the cold pearls and the single drop of gemstone.

The necklace must have been worth a fortune. Ten families could've survived years on the money a sale of a piece like such would bring them. "It's beautiful," she whispered low, not taking her eyes from it. Daine paused as a thought occurred to her. If it wasn't for the king's decision, she would never own something like this, but it had been given to her. She was fully aware of the older woman standing behind her, observing every move she was making.

A hand settled itself on Daine's shoulder and Astrid's voice was low when she spoke. "I think it's time for the talk," she said and brought over the stool she had used while washing Daine's hair.

Daine turned and looked at her, frowning from confusion. "What talk?" she questioned, beginning to feel nervousness crawl into every cell of her body. A gentle hand slowly took the paper from where it was clutched in her grasp and it was almost crumbled.

Astrid placed the paper in the box, transforming herself from a fussy servant into a woman who was about to say something in confidence. Daine's throat became strangled as Astrid began to speak to her as a loving mother would do to her only daughter.

She knew that Astrid didn't know about her past and the scars on her back; Rosalie had been careful to spin a web of lies, not wanting to reveal the actual truth. Rosalie had explained, to everyone who had questioned the fact, that the long rosy pale lines twisting down over Daine's back were the aftermath of the girl falling down a cliff on her way into the village. The truth however was very different.

Daine listened carefully as Astrid told her of the customs of her betrothal, how it was going to be and what she could expect during the day. The explanation was fine for her up until Astrid came to the part where she explained that Daine would be sleeping in the same room as him.

"I'm sure that he's a gentle man," Astrid started to say, "and he will guide you if you don't know how it's done." The older woman paused when she saw the insecure expression in Daine's eyes. "You don't know what I'm talking about?" she asked suddenly. Compassion, empathy, and guilt entered her bright blue eyes.

Daine shook her head. She had a feeling what it was about, but she deep down refused to think about it.

Astrid leaned forth, taking hold of the necklace that laid against Daine's bare skin. Suddenly, the connection of the strange power that was being embedded in Daine's body was broken.

"When married, there are certain things that are tradition," Astrid said slowly as she looked Daine straight in the stormy blue-gray eyes. "A man, newlywed, would want to take his bride to his bed, to consummate the marriage," she said softly and quietly, but Daine had a feeling that every word was echoing through the chamber. It made her feel dizzy.

Astrid continued, not noticing Daine's rapid breathing. "As you are to be married like a noble, the man – your husband – is to prove that he is capable of..." her voice trailed away as the blood drained from Daine's cheeks. "When that is done, he will gather the sheets from the bed and send them to the king. Then the two of you are formally betrothed and the agreement between Tortall and Galla is signed."

Astrid patted her cheek, giving her a confident smile, "Don't look so scared my child, it will be over before you know it. Now, stand up and let me look at you."

Daine stood, but found herself cold to the bone. Warmth had left her body and she had gone numb.

The door to the chamber was suddenly forced open and the old king stood lingering on the threshold. The royal healer and the rest of the council waited behind him. Dressed in splendid clothes and with a golden grown sitting upon his head, King Angus smiled. "Its time," he said and allowed his tired gray eyes to travel down over Daine's body, inspecting her. "Master Salmalin is going to be pleased."